Every aviator knows the name "Bob Hoover". He left a permanent mark on many of us when we were young future pilots, as we watched his impressive antics in the Shrike Commander and the P-51 Mustang. "Best stick and rudder pilot ever", he has been called - and earned. Bob flew west early this morning, he was 94. His aviation career started as a teenager. He enlisted in the AAF in WWII. He was shot down, then escaped. He was test pilot. He revolutionized the airshow biz with his incredible flying in the Shrike Commander and the P-51 Mustang. He was the pace pilot for the unlimited class at the Reno Air Races for many years. Blue skies R.A. "Bob" Hoover.

P-51 Buyer/Seller/Owner Mike Coutches Gone West at Age 92

Sep 10 2016

One of the key people to fuel the civilian P-51 market in the late 1950's, Michael Coutches has gone west at age 92. Coutches ran his aircraft busines, American Aircraft Sales out of Hayward CA. They had recently moved it over the hill to Livermore. He bought surplus P-51s from McClellan AFB in Sacramento. He maintained, flew, upgraded and then sold them to civilian owners starting in the late 50's. Coutches has 2 P-51s in flying condition and a P-51H in the early stages of restoration. His son Steve has been doing the flying duties for many years.

Some of the P-51s he has owned: N2972D, he bought surplus from McClellan in September 1957. He also bought 45-11559 surplus from McClellan in December 1977 for $826! He owned yet to be Air Race Champion "Voodoo" in 1969. He also owned another Air Race Champion, "Dago Red" before it became such. The list goes on.

His flying P-51H, 44-64314, he purchased from William Hogan in 1966. His other P-51H, 44-64203, he kept at his home away form the public - only a few knew of it until the last 2 years when they published photos and info about it. Considered one of the civilian P-51 and warbird market pioneers in the late 50's, Michael Coutches of Hayward CA, Gone West Sep 10 2016. Condolences to his family and friends.

P-51 N351BD, 44-63634, Big Beautiful Doll, with pilot and passenger, crashed in Maricopa AZ about 35 mi south of Phoenix. Witnesses state the aircraft plunged straight into the ground exploding into flames. The aircraft is owned by Jeffrey Pino and based at Chandler AZ. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jeffrey Pino and Nick Tramontano.

P-51D 44-73990 First Post-Restoration Flight

Aug 25 2015

The Henley's P-51D N51TH 44-73990 flew for the first time after a long restoration completed by Aeroplace Services Inc in Denison TX. The current color is zinc-chromate but will be painted as 353rd FG "Alamabama Rammer Jammer"

After a gear-up landing in 2008, VH-BOB has been in a full restoration. A defective landing gear clam shell door hinge was the culprit. The gear-up landing was performed flawlessly with both pilot and passenger escaping without injury.

Col Bud Anderson and P-51 Old Crow statue dedicated at Auburn Ca airport on May 16 2015. Anderson grew up in the Auburn area and locals decided to honor their hero. Anderson is a very humble and approachable WWII veteran, who will always tell you he was just doing his job. A fitting dedication to Anderson, one of America's greatest generation.

Ken Scholz bought P-51 44-84896, N5416V, in 1973. It has been stored at the Torrence CA airport for more than 30 years. In 2004, Ken Scholz died leaving the P-51 to his wife. In 2012, Marlene Scholz passed away. Proceedings began to bring the P-51 to auction - rumors started in 2013. It is time. The auction will be online June 2-4 2015.